Across Tanzania and Africa, young people are entering a labour market being reshaped at extraordinary speed. While millions of young people are seeking pathways to decent work and sustainable livelihoods, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and new business models are changing the skills, businesses and jobs that will define the future. In Tanzania, the challenge is significant. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported youth unemployment among people aged 15–35 at 7.5% in 2025. Yet unemployment tells only part of the story: many young people earn their livelihoods through self-employment, agriculture and informal economic activities, making entrepreneurship, enterprise development and access to productive opportunities increasingly important. At the same time, the digital economy is creating an entirely new opportunity landscape. Young entrepreneurs can use digital platforms to reach customers, access markets, learn new skills, manage businesses and develop solutions that were previously difficult or expensive to deliver. But access alone is not enough. Young people need the digital skills, confidence and practical ability to use technology productively and safely. AI is accelerating this transformation. The World Bank’s Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025: Strengthening AI Foundations highlights both the potential of AI to increase productivity, innovation and economic development and the risk that gaps in connectivity, computing infrastructure, relevant data and digital skills could deepen existing inequalities. For Africa’s young population, this raises an urgent question: Will young people simply experience the digital and AI transformation—or will they be equipped to participate in it, build businesses around it and use it to solve real problems? The answer cannot depend on academic qualifications alone. Young people increasingly need a combination of entrepreneurial thinking, digital literacy, AI awareness, innovation, problem-solving, financial and business capabilities, leadership and strong professional networks. They need spaces where they can learn from practitioners, test ideas, build connections and understand how emerging technologies can become tools for opportunity rather than another source of exclusion. This is the challenge and the opportunity that Global Impact Transformation is responding to.
The future of work is changing. The question is: Are young people equipped to shape it?
By Communication team
Cohort II is here! and we are going BIGGER
Registration is officially open for the Business, Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Leadership Conference 2026 – Cohort II, taking place on 15–16 October 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Designed for young people aged 18–35, Cohort II will create a practical platform where participants can strengthen their entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities, explore AI, digital technologies and innovation, engage with experienced local and international speakers and facilitators, and build networks that can help move their ideas and ambitions forward.
The ambition goes beyond preparing young people to look for jobs. It is about equipping them to create businesses, embrace digital opportunities, develop solutions, innovate and lead. And in 2026, Cohort II is going bigger with stronger partnerships, broader expertise and an expanded platform for learning, collaboration and connection. A major highlight of Cohort II will be the opportunity to engage with experienced local and international speakers, facilitators and practitioners bringing practical knowledge and diverse perspectives across business, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and leadership.
Among the international facilitators are Lisa Niel, CEO and Founder, and Doug R. Niel, Secretary of Inspiring Hearts Organization, USA, who will join local experts and practitioners in creating an engaging learning environment. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, exchange experiences and learn from people with real-world experience. The conference is deliberately designed to move beyond speeches and theory. It will create space for interactive learning, practical conversations, networking, knowledge exchange and exposure to different ways of building, innovating and leading.
BUILDING ON THE MOMENTUM OF COHORT I
The journey began in 2025 with Cohort I, hosted at the British Council, bringing together young people around business, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership The inaugural cohort established the foundation for GIT’s vision of creating accessible spaces where young people can move beyond theory, engage with experienced practitioners, exchange ideas with peers, strengthen their confidence and expand their networks.
Cohort II builds on that foundation while responding to a rapidly changing economic and technological environment. It takes the conversation further from understanding opportunities to developing the skills, relationships and confidence needed to pursue them.
One of the defining developments of Cohort II is the strength of the partnerships being built around it. GIT is proud to bring on board YanaCorp, UN Association Tanzania, Emerging Generation Initiative, Avis Logistics, PET Pro and DP Promotions as partners for the 2026 conference. Their involvement represents far more than logos on a conference poster, it reflects a shared commitment to investing in young people and strengthening pathways to skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, networks and opportunity.
Each partner brings different experiences, expertise and networks into the Cohort II ecosystem. Together, we are creating a richer platform where young people can encounter new perspectives, establish meaningful connections and access opportunities that no single organization could create alone.
The challenges facing young people are interconnected and the response must be collaborative.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Cohort II welcomes young people aged 18–35, including aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs, innovators, students, young professionals, business owners and emerging leaders.
Whether you are developing a business idea, already building an enterprise, interested in AI and digital innovation, exploring entrepreneurship, strengthening your leadership journey or looking for meaningful professional connections, Cohort II offers a space to learn, engage and move forward.
You do not need to arrive with everything figured out.
Come with curiosity. Come with ambition. Come ready to learn, connect and build.
BE PART OF THE IMPACT
At Global Impact Transformation, our work goes beyond a single programme or event. We are committed to creating meaningful and measurable impact by expanding opportunities, strengthening communities and empowering young people, women and persons with disabilities to realise their potential.
Do you want to be part of this journey?
We welcome development partners, foundations, corporate institutions, organisations, professionals and individuals who share our commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives.
Join the movement. Partner with us. Support the impact.
To explore opportunities for partnership, collaboration or support, contact us at info@globalimpacttransformation.org.
Together, we can reach more communities, unlock more opportunities and create lasting impact.